And shepherds were living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11
The angel brought the shepherds good news. The angel proclaimed to them that the Messiah had been born. This was a joyful night. What exactly is this great news? Was it that baby, Jesus the Messiah, had come? Or was it about the future, let’s say in what 33 years later would bring? What would happen in 33 years in this king’s life? There will be anger, confusion, and sorrow of hanging on the cross that this king would die. Is this excellent news and joy?
As a little girl, Christmas was an exciting time for me. I would get excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Then Easter would roll around, and I would be so sad that those people killed my Jesus. How could they do such a thing? Didn’t’ they realize that this is Jesus our Messiah, Our Savior?
They believed He was the Son of God, who came to save the Hebrew nation and establish their earthly Kingdom. However, this was a lofty hope that was a little too small of a calling. Too small of a calling for the one true Messiah.
They didn’t understand the magnitude of what was being accomplished – the Lamb had come to earth. God became flesh to rescue ALL of us for ALL time from sin, death, sickness, evil, and hatred. God was not planning a political plan; He was plotting a great big redemption plan.
As a little girl, it took me time to accept God’s plan and purpose for Jesus. That God’s way is the best and only way for redemption. Today do I still struggle with it? Yes! I hate the thought of my Lord’s suffering. Do I understand why? Yes! God did this because of His great love for each of us.
I wonder what the people thought and felt during our Messiah’s Passion Week leading up to death? Maybe even afterward, when he was gone from the tomb? Were their eyes opened? Did they realize what their God had accomplished for them?
We may not know this answer for now, and that is ok. What we do need to know is what do we know and believe. Do you believe what the Bible says about our Savior? Are you going to live for HIM??
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your great plan – your good news and great joy of our salvation. Even though it may be hard to accept such a plan, you do know the way for us to be with you. With that, I will accept how you plan and do what you do. I will trust you and live for you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
